Difference between revisions of "Buzzer"
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A "buzzer system" is a common name for a device used to indicate which player has signaled that he or she wishes to answer a question first. They are a necessary component to playing quizbowl matches when available, as they help avoid any ambiguities as to who buzzed in first. When no buzzers are present, teams must play slapbowl, where buzzing is indicated by slapping the desk or saying something like "buzz". While using a buzzer system, other players are prevented from buzzing after the first player until the system is reset; for this reason, buzzer systems are sometimes called "lockout systems" (e.g. in the official NAQT rules).
Ideally, a buzzer system consists of a control box which sits near the moderator, which connects to individual pushbuttons or paddles held by each player. The best buzzers trigger a sound and turn on a light specific to the player who buzzed when an individual pushbutton or paddle is used. Any one component of the system held by an individual player is often referred to as a "buzzer" as well.
Almost all tournaments require some number of teams to bring buzzers in order to have enough to run the tournament properly; for this reason, TDs usually offer a discount (-$5 or -$10) to teams that bring a buzzer.
Buzzer System Manufacturers
- Zeecraft
- SVBZ
- Quizco
- Quik Pro
- Homemade buzzers
- Smartphone Buzzers e.g. I Buzzed First!
How to buy a buzzer system
A frequent question from new programs at any level is how and where to buy a buzzer system. The important thing to keep in mind is that all buzzers break. It is better to buy two $200-$300 systems with good warranties and always have a backup on hand for when one is being fixed, then buy a $600 system without a warranty just because you've heard the more expensive system is less likely to fail.
Past that, you want a system that provides for easy use in gameplay and practices. Systems that do not have individual lights and require the moderator to call out who has buzzed do not suit themselves to timed games and are annoying even in ACF formats. Something with an individual, easy-to-see light on each player's buzzer is the best.
"Self-resetting" systems are not appropriate for use in any mainstream collegiate or high school format. Make sure to get a system with a moderator reset button that does not require a time delay.
Systems which make a different sound depending on which team has buzzed can be useful and provide a safeguard against breakage--you can play with up to two buzzers whose lights have burnt out on this system, one on each side, and still always know who has buzzed in.
If you buy a battery-powered system, ALWAYS KEEP FRESH BATTERIES IN THE CASE. Nothing is worse than a system failing mid-tournament because of a dead battery.
Wireless buzzer systems are also inappropriate for tournament play due to the potential for lag.